A Monument of Concrete and Glass
Towering above Trousdale Estates, the dramatic Beverly Hills residence of billionaire Oakley founder James Jannard commands nearly two acres of rare promontory land. Designed by Los Angeles–based iDGroup and completed around 2016 after five years of meticulous work, the 18,300-square-foot masterpiece fuses exposed concrete, brushed aluminum, and vast panes of retractable glass. Its bold silhouette has been likened to “a cross between Stonehenge and the Bat Cave,” a comparison that perfectly captures the home’s industrial-futurist spirit.
From Eyewear Empire to Architectural Icon
Jannard, who sold Oakley to Luxottica for $2.1 billion in 2007, purchased the site in 2009 for just under $20 million. “James envisioned a fortress that would celebrate raw materials while embracing the light of Los Angeles,” architect Jeff Vance of iDGroup told californialuxuryhouses. “Every column, panel, and acoustic surface was custom-engineered for this property alone.”
The residence first appeared on the market in June 2024 at $68 million and has returned at $65 million, listed with Aaron Kirman of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California.
Interior Drama and Bespoke Detailing
Past a gated oval motor court and crenellated concrete walls, guests enter a skylit foyer where a Confederate Motors custom motorcycle gleams as sculpture. Inside, nearly 100 oversized concrete columns support perforated metal ceilings and specially designed acoustic panels. “The home feels simultaneously monumental and intimate,” Kirman explained to californialuxuryhouses, noting the seamless indoor–outdoor flow.
A sunken living area centers on a floor-to-ceiling industrial fireplace. The formal dining room is crowned by a futuristic light fixture, while a chrome-clad show kitchen pairs with a full commercial-grade prep kitchen for grand entertaining.
Primary Suite with Tolkien Touch
Accessed through a curving hallway, the primary retreat features sweeping city-to-ocean views and a striking metal soaking tub etched with Elvish script—a nod to Jannard’s other venture, Red Digital Cinema, whose cameras filmed The Hobbit. “James wanted every room to tell a story,” Vance added, “from the Tolkien engraving to the hidden lighting sequences.”
Resort-Caliber Amenities
The estate offers five bedrooms and nine baths, a private elevator, a theater, a professional gym, a wine cellar, and a separate guest apartment. Outside, manicured grounds showcase an infinity pool with a floating sundeck and panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles Basin.
“Privacy and spectacle coexist here,” remarked listing agent Kirman. “It’s a Brutalist statement piece with the comfort of a luxury resort.”
Community and Lifestyle
Trousdale Estates remains one of Beverly Hills’ most exclusive enclaves, prized for protected views and immediate access to the Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive shopping, and acclaimed dining such as Spago and Matsuhisa. Major freeways and Los Angeles International Airport are within 30 minutes, offering effortless connections for jet-set owners.
Market Perspective
High-end Beverly Hills properties continue to attract global buyers despite market shifts. According to regional data reviewed by californialuxuryhouses, trophy estates in Trousdale with landmark architecture routinely command premium prices, underscoring this listing’s investment appeal. Our editors attempted to reach Jannard for comment on his next move but received no reply—perhaps fitting for a home that thrives on mystique.